Can't 'Unpress' Key on MacBook Air Keyboard

Just a while ago, I tried to clean my MacBook's keyboard. I removed the command key, cleaned it and put it back - all good. But the second key, Option, I removed it, cleaned it and put it back but it is kinda... stuck in pressed position? It seems to be permanently pressed down and won't 'unpress'. I've tried reseating it a few times, but it's still stuck. They key itself works. I cleaned it with a minimal amount of my LCD/TFT Cleaner.


Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice on how to fix it without causing damage would be greatly appreciated!

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 14.0

Posted on Dec 27, 2023 5:10 AM

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1 reply

Dec 29, 2023 6:25 PM in response to asiababulewicz

What is the exact model of this laptop? You can get this information by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac".


If it is a butterfly keyboard, then maybe some dirt is stuck in the butterfly mechanism. Here is an Apple article with instructions for cleaning a laptop keyboard. It is very important to make sure to keep the can of compressed air completely upright, otherwise you will damage the laptop with cold wet propellant.


Is the key cap snug or is it loose? A loose key cap can cause the key to bind. Or if the key cap was not properly reattached will cause it to bind. Key caps are easily damaged.


If this keyboard uses a scissor mechanism as opposed to the butterfly mechanism, then most likely the scissor mechanism has some liquid residue on it causing it to bind. Also make sure there is no residue along the inside edges of the key bay, on the ends of the key cap, or on the pivot points on the underside of the key cap.

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Can't 'Unpress' Key on MacBook Air Keyboard

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